We want to look at the relationship of grace through faith and how works are involved. Most people think true faith is something they do instead of someone they believe. Grace is given to everyone, but not all receive grace.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (NKJ)
How do we receive grace? God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense
Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. (NKJ)
Through faith. Faith in what? The Gift – Jesus!
Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is no other name under heaven given among men, by which we must be saved. (NKJ)
It is not Jesus and… It is Jesus only!
1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, (NKJ)
John 10:1,6b “Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever does not enter the sheepfold by the gate, but climbs in some other way, is a thief and a robber. 6b “Truly, truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. (Berean)
If we are saved by grace, then what is the purpose of works?
James 2:14-17 What does it profit, my brothers, though a man say he has faith, and have not works? can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, 16 And one of you say to them, Depart in peace, be you warmed and filled; notwithstanding you give them not those things which are needful to the body; what does it profit? 17 Even so faith, if it has not works, is dead, being alone. (NKJ) Corresponding actions
My works are not acts of purchase, but acts of gratitude through obedience.
Jeremiah 17:7-8 Blessed is the man that trusts in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. 8 For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreads out its roots by the river, and shall not fear when the heat comes, but its leaf shall be green; and shall not be anxious in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit. (NKJ)
Ezekiel 47:12 All kinds of fruit trees will grow on both sides of the river. Their leaves won’t wither, and they won’t fail to produce fruit. Each month they will produce fresh fruit because this water flows from the holy place. The fruit will be good food, and the leaves will be used for healing.
If you trim too much faith off of the Word, spiritually, you become a stump. Faith never considers its own physical body as the determining factor as to its receiving.
Trees are not cannibalistic. They do not eat their own fruit. Your fruit is not for your benefit, but for others. Your works are not for your benefit, but for others.
Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, self-control: against such there is no law. (NKJ)
Romans 13:8 Owe no man anything, but to love one another: for he that loves another has fulfilled the law. (NKJ)
James 1:18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first-fruits of all he created.
Ephesians 5:9 For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth; (NKJ)
Our salvation is by grace through faith. That is the root. Our works of obedience are the results of being saved which is the fruit we produce. Works are a natural by-product of being saved
John 15:7-8 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, you shall ask what you will, and it shall be done unto you. 8 In this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit; so shall you be my disciples. (NKJ)
John 14:14-15 If you shall ask anything in my name, I will do it. 15 If you love me, keep my commandments. (NKJ)
Many Christians believe, “I will love you more, if you keep My commandments.”
What is the purpose of “works?” What is the purpose of obedience? I obey God because I love Him, NOT to get Him to love me more.
God’s laws are put here for our benefit. Not to hurt us, but to help us. However, if we don’t obey those laws, not only will they not work for us, but they will actually work against us. (example: the law of gravity; electricity; sowing and reaping)
Proverbs 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. (NKJ)
Romans 11:6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work. (NKJ)
Romans 3:27-31 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. 28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. 29 Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also: 30 Seeing it is one God, who shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith. 31 Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law. (NKJ)
Romans 4:1-5 What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, has found? 2 For if Abraham were justified by works, he has something in which to boast; but not before God. 3 For what says the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. 4 Now to him that works is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. 5 But to him that works not, but believes on him that justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. (NKJ)
Galatians 5:6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision avails anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith which works by love. (NKJ)
